RELATIONAL SEXUAL ASSERTIVENESS: AN EXPLORATION OF THE R-SAAQ WITH RESPECT TO VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

There is little research available that evaluates sexual assertiveness as a risk factor for sexual assault in college women. The current study examined risk factors for sexual assault and their relationship with relational sexual assertiveness. The female participants were from a mid-sized Midwestern University. Overall, different aspects of relational sexual assertiveness were related to sexual assault risk factors. The R-SAAQ, which measures sexual assertiveness, was predictive of the participants ‘ sexual assault knowledge, rape myth acceptance, and sexual behaviors (including age of first vaginal intercourse and number of vaginal intercourse partners). In addition, the R-SAAQ scales were related to alcohol consumption, and sex-role stereotyping. Women‘s level of sexual assertiveness is related to and predictive of other sexual assault risk factors. Additional research is needed to determine if sexual assertiveness is a mediator betwee